Need for blood high, while donations are low. Desert Blood Services has issued an emergency appeal to the Coachella Valley and Hi-Desert

The need for blood on any given day is great but during the holidays the need is even greater. It is at this time that blood donations go down but the need stays the same and may even increase.

Desert Blood Services has issued an emergency appeal to the Coachella Valley and Hi-Desert for blood donations the week of Dec. 17.

"We are critically in need of blood in our community, as the supply on our shelves is extremely limited. All blood types are needed but Group O and B are critically low," said Nicu Cocione, director, Desert Blood Services.

"The need is urgent and immediate to ensure we are able to meet the impending needs of our hospitals during the upcoming weeks of Christmas and New Year holidays when donations are typically low."

You may do you part and donate blood at Desert Blood Services' La Quinta Donor Center, 79-215 Corporate Centre Drive, open (7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.) Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 18 and 19. Hours the remainder of the week: 12 to 7 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Walk-ins are welcome; to set an appointment, call 1.877.392.4483 or go towww.desertbloodservices.org.